For our customer, a multinational based in Switzerland in the Zurich area, we are seeking, immediately or by arrangement, the General Counsel. The draft job description reads as follows:
Responsibilities:
Manage the group’s Legal & Compliance function, and provide professional, pro-active advice and support to the Board of Directors, senior management and staff at the group’s head office and all local affiliates on a wide range of commercial and strategic legal issues
Support the business strategy and operations, while acting as trusted advisor and value adding business partner
Reporting to the CEO
Provide cross-functional Legal & Compliance support
Advise on M&A transactions, joint-ventures and other major contracts and projects
Prepare, review and negotiate all types of contracts and other legally relevant documents, incl. relevant standards, templates and policies
Support the Board and senior management regarding risk topics; risk assessment of contracts and projects
Responsible for, and provide end-to-end advice on, corporate governance, corporate housekeeping and contract management, incl. Company Secretary with respect to assigned legal entities
As Company Secretary, advise the Board members according to their roles as Directors and specifically the Chairman in all aspects of his tasks (Corporate Governance)
Manage external claims, litigations and arbitrations, with a strategic approach to the underlying dispute
Select, instruct and monitor external lawyers and other consultants
Manage and support Legal & Compliance audits
Develop, guide and train business leaders and relevant personnel group-wide on all relevant Legal & Compliance matters, e.g., in the fields of contract law, competition law and data protection law
Provide ad hoc legal advice to the Board and senior management at the group’s head office and local affiliates
Monitor legislation and jurisdiction that could affect the group’s operations, and propose and implement relevant action and policies to ensure compliance therewith
Respect and uphold the group’s values and commitment
Requirements:
Law degree from a continental European university and bar exam; LL.M., MBA or similar degrees would be a plus
At least 10 years’ Swiss Legal & Compliance experience gained both in-house at an international pharma or other industry group, and at a renowned, international law firm advising multinational pharma or other industry clients; experience as Company Secretary at a Swiss company would be a plus
Fluency in English (at least level C1); other languages like German or French would be a plus
Ability to analyze business requirements from a Legal & Compliance perspective and transform into actions and guidelines
Experience in planning and executing capital market and stock exchange transactions as well as M&A transactions
Experience in corporate law, incl. establishment of legal entities, and competition law
Experience in industrial-related Legal & Compliance trainings for management and staff
Understanding of IP incl. patent law would be a plus
Experience in the transformation/evolution of dynamically growing businesses would be a plus
Proven track record in leadership and management skills; experience in the assessment and development of Legal & Compliance staff
High personal integrity, distinctly entrepreneurial approach, used to work with confidential information
Committed to avoid any reputation risks from a Legal & Compliance perspective
Able to communicate and present in a clear and concise manner (orally and in writing)
Down-to-earth character, solution-driven, goal-oriented and assertive with a diplomatic flair
Proactive with a hands-on approach and a positive “can do” attitude
Analytical and organizational skills; ability to handle various complex projects efficiently and simultaneously
Interest and ability to build and manage effectively relationships (internally & externally)
Interest and ability to work in an international setting with multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams; strong awareness of cultural differences
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create a common spirit within the Legal & Compliance teams in HQ as well as group-wide
